WELCOME TO THE PBD-V
Welcome to the PBD-V Conference 2026,
On behalf of the Chilean Organizing Committee, it is my honor to invite you to the INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN IN EARTHQUAKE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING, to be held in the charming city of Puerto Varas from November 4th to 6th, 2026. This event is a unique opportunity for industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to gather, share knowledge, and shape the future of the earthquake geotechnical engineering sector.
Puerto Varas, a city and commune located in the 10th Region of Los Lagos on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, is a serene paradise. Located at 70 meters above sea level, it boasts the presence of German settlers who arrived in the area between 1852 and 1853. Today, it is one of the most important tourist centers in Chile, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It is known as the City of Roses and Volcanoes for its beautiful squares full of roses, beautiful mountain-style architecture with a privileged natural environment, and natural landscapes and volcanoes like Osorno Volcano, Calbuco, Puntiagudo, and Cerro Tronador.
Other attractions in the area include the Saltos del Río Petrohue (Petrohue Falls) within the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Lake Todos los Santos, and the Osorno Volcano Ski Center, among others, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, volcano climbing, mountain climbing, fishing, rafting, etc. Puerto Varas is located only 21 kilometers from Puerto Montt, one of southern Chile's most important fishing centers.
Puerto Varas is not just about its natural beauty, but also its rich cultural heritage. The Typical Zone is a testament to the German influence on the city's architectural heritage. And the city's beautiful streets are not just picturesque, but also home to delicious traditional European-style cuisine such as kuchen, cakes, artisanal jams, and handmade chocolates, offering a unique culinary experience.
Sincerely,
Christian Ledezma
Chair
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
ABOUT THE VENUE
Located just a 6-minute walk from Mall Paseo Puerto Varas, the 5-star Enjoy Puerto Varas hotel offers a comfortable stay. The hotel is a mere 14-minute walk from Playa Puerto Varas and features a hot tub, massage facilities, and an indoor pool. This Puerto Varas property is within a 10-minute walk of Galpon Aire Puro and not too far from Museo Pablo Fierro. The hotel's prime location offers easy access to natural sights such as Monte Calvario Park (4.2 km) and Cerro Philippi Hill (1.1 km). Visit Llanquihue Lake, just a 5-minute drive from the hotel, and experience the complete harmony with the nature of Chile. Enjoy Puerto Varas Hotel is just a minute's drive from Centro de Arte Molino Machmar. This Puerto Varas property is 35 km from El Teputal airport and 10 minutes from the Alto Esperanza bus stop. The premium rooms at the Enjoy Puerto Varas are furnished with a wardrobe and a sofa set and feature a mini fridge bar. Enjoy views of the garden while staying at this Puerto Varas property.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
The INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN IN EARTHQUAKE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING is organized by the Chilean Society of Geotechnical Engineering (SOCHIGE) and the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.
Prof. Christian Ledezma
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Chair of the PBD
Dr. Ramón Verdugo
Co-chair
Mr. Rafael Iglesias (MSc.)
Steering Committee